Chapter 5-Teams, Swords, and Waves
After the incident at the Academy, the various members of both Councils were now in an uproar on what to do with Naruto, and wanted the Namikaze to be punished for what he did. Naturally, a hearing was done with witnesses siding with both parties stating how the Uchiha brought it upon himself, or if you were an Uchiha supporter that Naruto started it by provoking Sasuke, and trying to stunt his growth as a Shinobi. In the end however, it was ultimately the Uchiha, who had to decide what to do given the terms of the fight he had between him, and Namikaze Naruto. On the one hand, Sasuke would certainly relish the thought of having the Namikaze name shot down a peg with the title of "dead last" in the Academy history book, but if he did, then he would have to admit that he technically lost to the said Namikaze, and the Uchiha couldn't handle losing in any manner.
Then, on the other hand, if the Uchiha admitted to losing officially to Naruto, then the great Uchiha Clan would be besmirched by the very person, who was supposed to revive it, and that was almost be as bad. If anything, Sasuke was place between a rock, and a very hard place with either pick leaving a sour taste in his mouth. In the end, Sasuke had to with great effort mind you, conceded to Naruto's win believing that if the blonde boy was strong, then he could show him how to get such incredible power to kill his older brother, and get his revenge thus removing the shame of being labeled "dead last" at the Academy. It would essentially show that the Uchiha Clan was not lost after all giving him new found fame and glory that would outshine the Namikaze loser any day.
So much to the surprise of everyone, Uchiha Sasuke humbled himself this one (and only) time, and reluctantly admitted defeat to Namikaze Naruto.
(Ninja Academy)
Naruto walked out of the classroom sporting his headband on his shoulder having worn black pants, red muscle shirt, and black jacket with a blood red kanji for "Demon Lord" written on the back. It had gotten quite a few looks mostly from the older generation, who scowled at the boy believing he was mocking them knowing they couldn't say anything due to the Sandaime's law, and all they could do is give him hard glares. Now Naruto was walking out of the Academy seeing his Father there to greet him on a job that was most certainly well done in graduating.
"There they are," said an adult whispered pointing to the two to her friend, who followed the arm's direction, and saw Sesshomaru with Naruto walking home.
"Look at them all confident. The only reason the Hokage let the thing in the Academy was to because of the bigger one. Honestly, its bad enough we had the fox come here and attack use, but another one living here is just too much," said the other adult whispering to the other.
"I hope the little animal get slaughtered during a mission, then we could have truthfully celebrated its death like we should have all those years ago, and rub it in the older ones face," said the first adult smiling cruelly at the thought of seeing Naruto killed painfully.
The two villagers were immediately silenced by a blast of unexpected killing intent and turned to their right/left to find the ever intimidating appearance of Sesshomaru standing before them.
"I suggest you keep your mouth shut or I will remove your jaws from their hinges," said Sesshomaru his presence making the man and woman stumble back before they fainted.
"Hey dad, I know it's not very becoming of a Namikaze or even a Demon Lord, but can I punish them in my own way like a fox should?" said Naruto since foxes were notorious tricksters and felt it would be kind of fun to unleash some well deserve punishment on these two.
"Very well," said Sesshomaru feeling his adopted son's prankster like eagerness for causing mischief was brewing once more.
"Thanks dad!" said Naruto grinning, as he picked up the two dead weights and set out to humiliate the two arrogant villagers for being so disrespectful to his Demon Lord of a Father.
'Children can be...what was the word the Nara used? Oh yes... I remember they can be quite 'troublesome',' thought Sesshomaru, who turned to greet the Hyuuga family on a job well done.
"Hello Sesshomaru-sama. It is good to see you today and seeing our children graduate," said Hiashi with Hinata beside him along with his wife Hitome with little Hanabi beside her, who was looking at the Demon Lord in awe.
"Yes it is," said Sesshomaru looking down at Hanabi, who was slightly shy in the gaze of the regal demon.
"Where is Naruto-kun?" said Hinata looking around for her crush.
"He's...handling something concerning two villagers," said Sesshomaru knowing that the choice of words would suffice for everyone around him that understood what he was saying.
"How do you think the teams will be paired?" said Hiashi with the secret meaning hidden behind what he said heard clearly by Sesshomaru.
What Hiashi meant was "How would you have the teams paired?" since the wisdom of a Demon Lord was second to none.
"The teams will no doubt be balanced, though I'm confident that the Hokage will see that balance is more then about a teams overall skills, and should be more focused a teams that can work together instantly while trusting each other with their very lives," said a confident Sesshomaru and had clearly stated this to the Hokage when it came to creating future Genin teams.
"Knowing the Councils they will want the Uchiha with Kakashi due to the Jounin having the only other Sharingan Eye in Konoha in order to further strength Sasuke's own. We warned them repeatedly that spoiling the child would do greater damager, but they don't listen to reason, and will eventually prove to be a problem in the future," said Hiashi, as he let out a sigh of frustration at dealing with the Council, and the Hyuuga Elders that his wife had mercifully decided to take care of herself in his stead.
"They are fools, but enough about depressing matters, as we have our children to give our full attention too, and it would be rude of us to not praise them for their well hard earned work," said Hitome looking at her blushing daughter before finding her daughter blush had increased another shade at the appearance of Naruto, who had fox like grin on his face.
"Hey Hinata-chan! Hello Hiashi-sama. Hitome-sama and little Hanabi-chan," said Naruto making the littlest of the two girls increase her face color to a nice shade of pink.
"Hello Naruto. I take it you took care of the...problem with the villagers?" said Hiashi, as he didn't want his youngest to know the truth just yet if ever of Naruto's secret.
"Yep! Hey Hinata-chan, you want to come over to my house later to celebrate in being officially Shinobi?" said Naruto giving another grin before looking over to Hinata, who was blushing heavier.
"Of course! That is...if it is okay with Mother and Father?" said Hinata looking at her parents with hope in her eyes wishing she could.
"I don't see why not. Do you Hiashi-kun?" said Hitome looking at her husband and saw him going into "protective daughter" stage.
"Well...I suppose if Sesshomaru is going to be there," said Hiashi looking at the Demon Lord, who nodded since he intended to keep an eye on the children, and make sure the mischief was to a minimum.
"Have Neji go as well. He needs more friends outside of his teammates and since he is already friends with Naruto it will help him focus on things outside of training," said Hitome, who go a nod from Hiashi, as he too wanted Neji to interact with his friends more.
In a tree nearby, Mizuki watched with glee at his chance to get rid of both Naruto and the Hyuuga Heiress, which would gain him some secret favor with the Hyuuga Elders, and most of the Council. If Naruto was dead, then the Council could focus more efforts on the Uchiha boy, which would make his master all the more pleased, and with Hyuuga Heiress out of the way the Hyuuga Elders could mold Hanabi as they saw fit behind her parents back.
As for Sesshomaru, Mizuki was confident that the Sandaime would give his life like the Yondaime did, and seal away the Demon Lord into another child that would be made into a powerful weapon in the years to come. With the Sandaime out of the way, Danzo could take over, and turn the Leaf into a militarized nation that would have an alliance with the newly founded Sound Village in Rice Country.
All Mizuki needed to do was get a few Shinobi together, who were "demon haters", and get them to assist him in killing Naruto.
(Namikaze Estate- Few Hours Later)
"I expect you to be on your best behavior to tonight Naruto," said Sesshomaru looking at his son with serious yet still neutral eyes.
"You know I will dad! Give me some credit. I mean, why wouldn't I be on my very best behavior? I don't want Hinata-chan to think I'm disgusting after all this time or have Neji hate my guts again if I made her cry," said Naruto wishing his Father would give him more credit then that.
Though considering Naruto had the one guy from earlier currently hanging naked with his underwear in his mouth over the hot springs above the women's side with the word "pervert" written with half the word on each butt cheek might be considered overdoing it. The woman got tied and locked up in the Inuzuka kennels covered in thick peanut butter with all the dogs licking her much to her gagged anguish with the words "arrogant bitch" written on her back.
"I suppose you do have more manners then that. I taught you well with the help of Yuhi-san about how to be a gentleman to the opposite gender," said Sesshomaru since the boy had learned a lot from the recently promoted to Jounin of a female Shinobi.
"Hey dad, remember when you said I could have a sword when I proved I was strong enough?" said Naruto hoping his Father would remember.
"I did say that didn't I? Very well. Tomorrow I will go out to seek the man, who I know can make you a demonic sword, but to do that, I need get an important piece required to make it," said Sesshomaru walking towards his now uneasy son, who squirmed under the Demon Lord's gaze.
"What piece is that?" said Naruto hoping it wasn't anything too...scarring.
"All in due time. You're friends are here so we will have to wait until I can get what I need, but I promise you it will be worth the effort," said Sesshomaru hearing the door bell ring and went to answer it while still finding himself getting used to it.
(Hokage's Office-At the Moment)
"The teams are going to be such a headache this year," said the Sandaime to Iruka, who had shown Hokage the official ranking of every single Shinobi that graduated earlier that day from the Academy.
"The Council is fuming over Naruto's rank as Rookie of the Year. A part of me wishes he had gotten some lower scores so he could at least be with Hinata on her team. As it stands she will be on Team 8 with Kiba and Shino," said Iruka looking at scores finding that it was hard to place people where you want them given the way things were organized.
"Yes. Another thing is that the current generation of Ino-Shika-Cho needs for them to be together like their parents were in order to keep up the tradition. Thus the end result is as if Naruto were in the opposite right now and given the way the village would have treated him without Sesshomaru around it would certainly be the case. Sakura has book smarts, but no talent other then good chakra control due to such low chakra, Sasuke is arrogant in relying on himself causing him to get into trouble by running head on into things, and then Naruto in himself is a handful since he has no love for the other members of his team," said Sarutobi closing his eyes and letting out a sigh of defeat.
"Not to mention his teacher isn't exactly on his good side either," said Iruka wincing at the name the Hokage had placed for that team knowing it was going to be a nightmare.
"Maybe not Iruka. Given what we know about Team 8 and Team 7, the teams are far from balanced, and need to be altered in a way so they are," said the Sandaime, who smirked at his suddenly ingenious idea.
"What do you mean?" said Iruka wondering what the old man was thinking.
"Half the teams so far will function not only because they are balanced, but because they express teamwork within its inner workings, and make such teams near unbeatable. At the same time we have two teams that are not balanced since Inuzuka Kiba's behavior will not work with the other two Genin on his squad with the same being true for Naruto, but for different reasons. To that end, we will switch Kiba and Naruto from being on their original teams thus solving any problems that could have come up had we stayed on the plotted team design," said Sarutobi knowing that it would relieve him of the two Councils bitching at him to do something about Naruto.
"So we switch the two of them on the grounds that they need to be balanced in terms of working together as a team?" said Iruka raising an eyebrow at that idea.
"I know Kakashi and he will play favorites with the Uchiha despite his preaching of it while Kurenai will want all three of her students to grow and given her past history with two of them I have no doubt trust will not be an issue. Shino is a smart boy and while he may be wary of Naruto at first, I am confident the infamous 'logic sense' they have will help them in the end, and make them a dominating team," said the Sandaime smiling at this team that would no doubt advance far beyond anything he ever dreamed.
"Kakashi will argue he should take Naruto on account of the boy being his sensei's son," said Iruka knowing the man will not let this action go without protest.
"The man neglected his duties to protect Naruto years ago, which forfeited his right to be the boy's sensei, and I will see to it that Kakashi realizes this when he brings it up," said Sarutobi frowning at the man wondering what Minato would say to his student for being so arrogant like everyone else.
"I look forward to that meeting on Monday," said Iruka grinning at picturing Kakashi's face or what he could see of it being blown away by the Hokage's words.
"So do I," said the Hokage putting the team placement papers away and deciding to take care of his other more strenuous paperwork.
(Namikaze Estate)
"I'm so glad you guys could come!" said Naruto, who was so excited he was tempted to jump around excitement, and possibly make a complete idiot out of himself.
Only Sesshomaru's presence seemed to quell that urge.
"If you don't mind Sesshomaru-sama, but I brought along my teammates to assist in celebrating," said Neji giving the regal Demon Lord a bow to show his respect before he introduced his two teammate with one already a previous visitor.
"It's quite all right Neji. Provided the said guests behave they are welcome in this house," said Sesshomaru, who saw Lee nodding his head vigorously, and Tenten bowed to show she would honor the Demon Lord's current wish.
The weapons master of the older Genin team stole a quick glance at Naruto and fought the urge to blush at seeing him looking so handsome. Tenten wasn't going to deny that the blonde was indeed handsome and if Hinata's blushing during the Academy was any indication, the Hyuuga had a serious crush on the Namikaze. For some reason, it made Tenten feel a bit ill she imagined would be the appropriate word since she felt that unlike Hinata, who was not simple commoner whose Father owns a meager weapons shop, she couldn't catch the interest of someone like Namikaze Naruto. How could she even try to compete against a Hyuuga much less the Heiress of the Hyuuga Clan at that?! Even if Tenten was able to catch Naruto's interests, Hinata could use the 'traditional ways' of clan politics to have her Father arrange a marriage between her, and Naruto in a means to create a clan alliance of sorts.
"Tenten! Are you listening?" said Lee waving a hand in front of her making the twin bun haired woman blush in embarrassment before nodding her head and telling her teammate she was.
Hinata seeing the other girl's face during her spacing out frowned and hoped that Tenten was not aiming to seek out Naruto's heart for her own devices.
(Outside the Namikaze Estate)
"So how do you want to do this?" said a Chuunin seeing the group inside through the windows watching them eat and have fun.
"Straightforward. We have the element of surprise right now, which is all we need, and once they are dead we can raid the Estate of all its Jutsu knowledge to give to the Council for future study," said Mizuki slightly lying about taking the scrolls to the Council since the more rarer scrolls were going to Orochimaru to duplicate or study.
The sheer reward and power in Mizuki's mind for giving such things to the snake Sannin would be unfathomable.
"What of the Demon Lord? He could smite us in a single stroke!" said a Jounin seeing Naruto smiling at Hinata, who was blushing once more.
"Half of us will attack him while the rest of us go for his son and the others to remove any witnesses to the crime," said Mizuki since there was a total of six in the group with him included.
"When do we strike? I want to get a piece of the Kyuubi after I lost my brother to it," said another Jounin, who readied himself to unsheathe his blade on the Namikaze.
"In a minute. Just hold tight," said Mizuki waiting for the right moment to strike to kill the group of Genins and the Demon Lord.
(Inside the Namikaze Estate)
"You're getting a demonic sword?!" said Tenten having heard what Naruto was getting soon from the proud Namikaze after she had asked the man about the two he carried.
"Yep. Dad says they aren't easy to make, but he knows someone that can, and is going to get me one soon as a reward for all my hard work in getting strong," said Naruto, as he didn't want them to think the man was simply giving it to him without reason.
"My dad is a weapons smith Sesshomaru-sama. If you gave him the materials needed I'm sure he could make it for you," said Tenten hoping this would be her chance to put her family on the map in Konoha for making the first demonic weapon ever.
"It requires more then just the material, as it also requires a demon that understands the ways of making a demonic weapon, and won't make errors. I have no doubt your Father makes excellent human weapons, but a demonic one is something that is quite possibly out of his league, and the results of him trying to make one could be...disastrous," said Sesshomaru since several humans have tried to wield demonic weapons in the past and all had failed in some manner to use or control them.
"You mean like demonic possession?" said Tenten since that was the only thing that came to mind aside from death though it may be the more merciful way out.
"Yes. Depending on the weapon and demon properties used, the demonic aura around a weapon could cause the person hold it to be corrupted by its power, and destroy the soul of the human that wields it," said Sesshomaru hoping she would leave it at that and not ask further questions.
'It still doesn't really explain why Naruto is going to get a demonic sword. I mean, it was not like he is a demon or anything,' thought Tenten and Lee at the same time while the others knew because they knew of Naruto's secret sealed inside of him.
"I had to really work my ass off to earn it guys believe me. If it wasn't for all the chakra and stamina in my body, I would have collapsed through less then half of what dad put me through," said Naruto since all the training he done himself combined with the clones did force him to constantly adjust to the ever increasing levels Sesshomaru set for him.
"Really?" said Tenten, as she had wondered if such a demonic item was given to Naruto just because he was the Heir to the Namikaze Clan, and like the "last Uchiha" felt he just deserved it.
"You can ask Maito Gai. When he's over here helping me with my Taijutsu I spend so many hours training with him I sometimes miss out on lunch or dinner," said Naruto, who had Lee back him up since the two had sparred, and could testify to the blonde's hard work.
"Naruto-kun also spends his time with chakra control since he has more chakra running through him then most Jounin do," said Hinata, who had seen the boy train multiple times with Shadow Clones, and doing various chakra control exercises.
"Really? Wow! For a moment I thought Naruto was simply having something handed to him like Sasuke does and not actually working for it. My apologizes Naruto-sama," said Tenten bowing her head before Naruto waved it off since he didn't like putting good people in such submissive positions.
"How many times do I have to tell people this? You don't have to call me 'Naruto-sama' since titles like that isn't meant for kids. It makes them arrogant like Uchiha-teme," said Naruto giving her a foxy grin, which made Tenten blush a little, and Hinata frowning at the color change appearing on the other girl's face.
Such thoughts were stopped when the windows were destroyed, as the room was soon filled with six more uninvited guests to this event, and each brandishing weapons.
(Hokage Tower)
The Sandaime sighed, as he sat back in his chair before looking up at the picture of the Yondaime hanging next to his when he was still a young man. He told Minato that the village would never accept his son as a hero, but the man just wouldn't listen, and used his own son in the belief that his wife would protect the child. There were times the old Hokage wondered what it was that Minato saw in this village? Was the man so blind in wanting to die for people that would want to kill his son then love the boy like he wished they should have?
The two Councils were breathing down his neck again with Danzo trying once more to make the boy into a weapon stating that the rumors of Wind Country's Suna village with their own turned into one could shift the balance of power away from the Leaf. Naturally, Sarutobi quickly pointed out that Kumo had one such demon vessel for years now, and still the balance of power still remained in Konoha. Danzo countered that Kumo while having the right idea along with Suna simply lacked the resolve to unleash their weapon in a brutal manner that would ensure them dominance. The old war horse used the vast majority and influence on the overall collective of Council members' lust for power to rally them to his cause. Using the Uchiha Clan massacre for one, as a reason to turn Naruto into a mindless weapon, and to use without hesitation in wiping out the other villages or their demon vessels.
"Minato, you stupid man. For all of your brilliance with seals, Jutsus, and various skills as a Shinobi you are still dumb in seeing the nature of the human heart. You think that the people of the village will rise above such hate and arrogance only for them to fall so far from the path you set for them," said the Sandaime getting up from his chair and looked out at the village.
"Hokage-sama! Hokage-sama! Come quick! Someone is attacking the Namikaze Estate!" said a Chuunin running into the room with a panic like look on his face.
"What?" Deploy Neko's ANBU team at once! I want them there to ensure that place and its residents are intact when this is over," said Sarutobi before he removed his Hokage robes revealing his battle suit and headed out himself.
Things were going to get messy if they already weren't.
(Namikaze Estate)
Mizuki had been right about one thing and it was his team had the element of surprise, but only against the kids while Sesshomaru was completely calm as ever, and cut through his would-be attackers in a few seconds leaving only a bloody mess that would need to be cleaned up later. Neji had sensed them at the last second right before the windows were broken and quickly shielded Hinata from the flying shards of glass. Lee and Tenten had ducked under a nearby table to avoid the glass shards while Naruto leaped back before getting into his clan's Taijutsu stance.
"Time for you to die demon. You maybe the Yondaime's son, but only in name, and we intend to avenge them both for you attacking the village 12 years ago," said a Jounin, as he charged at Naruto with a sword drawn with his Chuunin partner behind him, and had prepared to double team the blonde in order to kill him.
Mizuki himself took the opportunity to sneak out during the fighting to raid the library only to be spotted by Lee and Tenten, who felt they should stop the Chuunin from doing whatever it was he was doing. They followed him, as Mizuki peeked into the rooms, and finally found what he was looking for only to find his exit was blocked before he could even grab a scroll.
"If it isn't the two brats from that weird sensei of yours," said Mizuki, who like everyone else in Konoha couldn't see how the man was sane in wearing such an attire, and wished the man would simply change it into something less...disturbing.
"You are an uninvited guest. Surrender now or we will take you by force," said Lee, as he was silently glad this room was large enough to allow him to fight, but hoped they didn't cause too much damage to the room.
"You are both making a mistake stopping me when you could be helping me attain true power through the knowledge here left by the Yondaime and the past members of the Namikaze Clan. Help me raid this place and I promise you power beyond your wildest dreams!" said Mizuki knowing that the young could be blinded by power and such power was all around them in this house.
"You have no more right to it, then we do, and we would only take it if Naruto gave it to us to learn," said Tenten brining out a pair of kamas to wield against the Chuunin.
"Oh yes, Naruto is your 'friend'. How could I forget such a simple fact?" said Mizuki taunting them, as if the friendship was nothing, but a farce, and there was some hidden truth behind it.
"He is our friend! Why should we believe differently from a traitor like you?" said Lee getting ready to strike, as did Tenten with her kamas, and both got ready to strike.
"So you don't know? I guess he wouldn't tell you unless he was completely sure, but since he hasn't I certainly will, and when you do hear the truth you will see that your Namikaze Naruto is not what he seems," said Mizuki grinning menacingly at the two Genin.
(With Naruto)
Naruto was still holding his own against the two opponents while Neji stayed in front of Hinata in case one of the two enemy Shinobi decided to attack them. Sesshomaru had left to take care of something and was gone in a quick blur to take care of whatever it was that needed his attention. Right now all Naruto himself could do was block the attacks with his kunai while hitting various hits when the opportunity appeared.
"We have to help Naruto-kun," said Hinata looking at Neji, who had looked back at her worried yet determined face.
"Your safety is my first priority Hinata-sama. I must be your shield first before I can be your sword," said Neji wishing he could help Naruto, but the Hyuuga Clan policy had always dictated that he as a part of the Branch family protect the Main, which in this case was Hinata, and as such he was bound to protect her at all costs.
"Not if we work together. We can both help," said Hinata, who did not want to be weak in front of her crush, and wanted to show him her strength too.
"If and when the moment presents itself Hinata-sama. I could never forgive myself if something were to happen to you," said Neji his Byakugan activated along with hers so they could be aware of any possible openings on the enemy or attacks one themselves.
It wasn't long after Neji said that, then the opportunity did present itself, and the two struck with deadly precision after Naruto kicked one of his two opponents away from him. The said enemy, who was a Chuunin for a little over 2 years, had a few cuts on him, and was so intent on killing Naruto that he failed to see the two Hyuuga children side by side thrusting an arm forward hitting Shinobi along the ribs destroying his internal organs with their combined Gentle Fist attack.
All the Chuunin could do was scream out in pain before dying from his injuries.
This intern caused the Shinobi attacking Naruto to become distracted by the yell and turn his attention to the two Hyuuga near his fallen comrade. This gave Naruto the advantage he needed before bursting forward after sending chakra to his feet in order to give him an extra boost to get closer to thrust both his kunai into the Jounin's stomach and neck.
"You okay Neji? Hinata-chan?" said Naruto looking at the two seeing Hinata look a little shaky considering it was her first kill, but Neji seemed to have a stronger grasp on what he just did.
"Yes we are okay. You?" said Neji wondering if this was Naruto's first kill or wondered if Sesshomaru had made him kill earlier in life.
"A few cuts got me, but I heal pretty fast so it won't bother me, and aside from just that I think I'm okay," said Naruto walking over to Hinata and seeing her look at him with sad eyes telling him this had been her first kill.
"It's all right Hinata-sama. The first kill is always the hardest," said Neji putting a gentle hand on her shoulder trying to assure his cousin that everything was all right.
"Thank you Neji-Nii-san," said Hinata looking at the boy before turning to Naruto, who nodded approvingly at her since she had to do what she had to do.
"You did great Hinata-chan. When your dad finds out he's going to be so proud of you," said Naruto smiling at her making Hinata feel better and hugged him for the comfort it brought her.
"Thank you...Naruto-kun," said Hinata, who felt warm inside when he returned her hug, and wished they could stay like this a little longer.
"Come on. Let's go find the others," said Naruto getting a nod from the other two and took off to the library where Neji determined they were with Mizuki.
(With Mizuki)
"Do you honestly expect us to believe such a ridiculous lie?" said Tenten not wanting to believe that Naruto was a demon more or less the demon of the Kyuubi, which had nearly destroyed Konoha over a decade ago.
"A lie? How can you not see it? Look at the whisker marks on his face. Why do you think he has them? It's because they are the marks of the Kyuubi to show everyone he's inside the Yondaime's son and there is a seal on his stomach that is the source of confinement," said Mizuki trying to make them see the truth in his words even if his point of view was only that of the partial truth.
"Like we would ever believe that, right Lee? Lee?" said Tenten looking at her friend, who had a look in his eyes, as if he just remembered something, and by the looks of things it was not a good thing.
"I'm not so sure Tenten. When I was training with Naruto one day he took off his shirt after working up a sweat and on his stomach I saw he had a strange seal tattooed there. When I asked about it, he said it was another way of training in the Namikaze arts, but wouldn't specify in what it was saying it was clan secret, and to not tell anyone about it to ensure its continued secrecy," said Lee wondering if that was indeed the seal Mizuki was speaking of.
"That is the seal holding the Kyuubi in him! Without it the demon would be free to exit its human prison and be free to terrorize us once more," said Mizuki hoping to continue in getting them to hate the boy.
"I still don't believe you. Naruto has done nothing even remotely demonic to make me believe he is the Kyuubi," said Tenten not wanting to hear how this boy was some kind of demon in disguise.
"Oh really? Did you know he killed his Mother when years ago?" said Mizuki seeing the shocked looks on their faces just as Naruto, Neji, and Hinata came to the room as well.
"Bastard!" said Naruto glaring hatefully at Mizuki for telling them that and his jailor inside of his stomach.
"Naruto, is what he said true? About the demon? About your Mother?" said Lee looking for answers from his friend, who he still wished to call friend if there was some reason to call him one.
"Yeah it true. I hold the Kyuubi inside of me. But to clear things up on this little subject because I'm sure Mizuki said otherwise, I am not the Kyuubi himself, and as for my so called Mother...well she left me to fend for myself since my birth. The Sandaime pleaded with her repeatedly to change her mind, but she refused to even call me her son. Hell she even tried to kill me on my birthday when I confronted her here at the clan Estate with Sesshomaru and the Hokage. I'll understand if you hate me after this, but now is not the time to deal with this issue, as we have an uninvited guest in this house, and its not me," said Naruto glaring at Mizuki, who snarled at the blonde, and went through hand signs.
"You demon brat. Fine! If I can't have the knowledge of the Namikaze's, then I'll just have to make sure you don't either," said Mizuki preparing a potent Fire Jutsu only to find something wrong with his hands.
Simply put his hands had been cut off at the wrists.
"There will be none of that," said Sesshomaru appearing before lifting Mizuki up by his throat with his incredible demonic strength.
"D-Demon!" said Mizuki only to find his throat was burning heavily and the smell of poison filled his nose making him gag twice over.
"Demon Lord actually. Remember my title when I send you to hell," said Sesshomaru before letting his poisoning clawed hand destroy Mizuki from the inside out.
Turning to the group, Sesshomaru could see the fearful expressions on their faces, as if they would soon be joining the Chuunin of a traitor's fate, and they were powerless to stop it. Naruto of course looked down in shame at knowing what was to happen now only to find his body in a hug with Hinata being the source of it and showing that even now, the young Hyuuga girl still cared about him.
"Thank Hinata-chan," said Naruto petting her blue hair while inhaling the lavender scent she seemed to possess and could get lost in it if he wanted to.
"I think its time certain matters were cleared up," said Sesshomaru stepping towards the group with Lee and Tenten still looking nervous.
"Why did you let him tell them about my secret dad? Why didn't you kill him when you had the chance?" said Naruto looking up at the Demon Lord for any sign of sorrow that may appear on his calm face.
There was nothing.
"You can't keep this secret from those you will have to trust with missions in the future son. If they see your power later on and not understand the nature behind it, they will hate you first before asking questions about it that you would have to answer. It's better for you and them if this secret is out now rather then later. They need to know that anything if not everything that you do concerning the Kyuubi does not make you him and in it will not make them see you like the villagers do," said Sesshomaru seeing the two frightened Genin calming down during the explanation.
"Is that why Naruto can have a demonic weapon? Because the Kyuubi inside of him will allow him to wield one?" said Tenten finally figuring out another more secretive reason why Naruto was able to have such a weapon.
"Yes. But know this, Naruto is not your enemy, he never has been, and after all that has happened all he has ever asked of you was to show the same friendship and loyalty that he has shown you in the past," said Sesshomaru looking at Lee, who understood since if it wasn't for Naruto the Genin would not be as strong as he was now.
Tenten herself nodded since she had never seen Naruto hurt anyone that didn't deserve it and given his track record how could she not trust him. Naruto had kept a secret inside of him that he didn't want revealed out of fear of what others would think of him, which due to the hostility of the villagers was understandable, and she really couldn't blame him for killing his Mother since the woman had abandoned her own son in his time of need.
"I apologize for almost believing what Mizuki said about you Naruto. Forgive us," said Tenten, as both Genin bowed to him making the Namikaze feel uneasy about it.
"Don't worry about it you guys. The point is you saw the truth and didn't get caught up with all the hatred people have more me," said Naruto since he really couldn't hold it against them for possibly hating him.
The two Genin nodded, each glad that Naruto did not hold it against them, and now as a whole the group left the room just in time to see Neko's ANBU unit along with a battle ready Hokage enter through the open windows of the kitchen. They were surprised to see the Demon Lord, his adopted son, and his friends all in one piece though it was clear the ordeal had shaken them.
"The threat to them has been removed Sarutobi," said Sesshomaru seeing a look of relief from the old man and the ANBU unit behind him.
"Any wounded?" said the Hokage looking at the children, who looked to be okay if only in the physical sense.
"They are unharmed. Though the one known as Mizuki told them Naruto secrets. Both of them," said Sesshomaru seeing the old man's eyes widen in shock.
"Don't worry old man. They don't hate me. Had they not got the full story they might be a little distrustful for awhile, but I was able to give them the reason behind it so were all still friends," said Naruto making the Hokage let out another sigh of relief at that news.
'Thank Kami. Last thing I need is for the younger generation to completely hate Naruto,' thought the Hokage finding the less stress around his old heart the better.
"I suggest that these two speak to their sensei tomorrow about what they know since he will be the best person to handle them," said Sesshomaru pointing to Tenten and Lee, who nodded their heads in agreement even if Maito Gai was at the very least strange when it came to dealing with dramatic events.
Strange, but at least he got the point across on things.
"Also, Hinata-chan needs to speak with her parents over her first kill," said Naruto since he knew that the first was difficult and he didn't want Hinata to make herself believe she was some kind of monster.
"I'll have Hitomi and Hiashi speak to her, as soon as she gets home, and I'll put this as your first S-rank mission complete in protecting a Clan Heir as well as Clan Heiress," said the Sandaime, who saw the surprised looks on their face, which changed to cheers from Naruto, and after he grabbed Hinata in a hug made the said Hyuuga blush a new shade of red.
'Again I feel a shift in this dimension returning back to the ways of balance and yet there is something in this world that is still making things more difficult then they should be,' thought Sesshomaru wondering if he'll be able to fix this problem.
At least when he returned to his, he would finally be able to see Rin again, and see how his little brother is doing ruling the Western Lands before returning back here.
When the group of Genins went home, being escorted by Neko's ANBU unit, as well as the Hokage of all people, Sesshomaru turned his attention back to Naruto. The boy was happy that things turned out pretty good, as it was clear that tonight's ordeal lessened his son's burden of keeping secrets from his friends that he cared deeply about, and for a moment the Demon Lord wondered if this was how his Father felt about those around him that he called friends.
"Thank you," said Naruto surprising the Demon Lord by bowing before the regal man.
"For what exactly?" said Sesshomaru before the bowing child and was soon tackled into a hug with a crying Naruto being the source of it.
"For being my Father when I had no one to call that. For caring for me as if I was your own. For fighting for me when no one else would," said Naruto looking up at surprised Sesshomaru, who put a hand on the boy's head, and giving it a gentle pat knowing he understood the boy's feelings.
"And you are the son I have always wanted. You are not spoiled, you are not arrogant, and you know what it means to fight with honor when those you fight have none Naruto. After today, I can proudly say without hesitation that you are more then worthy, as well as strong enough to wield a demonic sword, and tomorrow I will head out to have it made for you," said Sesshomaru seeing his son's eyes light up with joy and gave his old man an even stronger hug.
"Thanks dad! You're the best! Real quick question though, what exactly is needed from me to make the demonic sword." said Naruto raising an eyebrow at his Father, who gave his son a smile.
"Nothing much, except a tooth that is enhanced with demonic properties from the power of the Kyuubi," said Sesshomaru seeing Naruto go ghost white at the pain that was going to be involved in removing one of his teeth.
"I guess just using a sample of my hair enhanced by demonic chakra wouldn't do the trick would it?" said Naruto laughing nervously at the Demon Lord, who shook his head, and cupped his son's cheek making the boy sigh.
"No pain no gain right?" said Naruto channeling demonic chakra into his right canine making it noticeably longer then giving Naruto a more feral appearance.
"Right," said Sesshomaru getting a good grip on the tooth and giving a hard pull on the extended tooth.
'OH SHIT! THAT HURT!' thought Naruto had to cover his mouth with both hands to dampen his scream of pain and the blood that came with it from the hole where the large canine structure once lived.
"Relax. I got you covered. You'll have a new tooth by the end of tomorrow, as good as new, and no one will no the difference," said Kyuubi, who flinched himself when the tooth was pulled since the fangs of any animal were more sensitive then most.
'Thanks Kyuubi,' thought Naruto massaging his cheek since it was better then nothing to sooth the pain.
"You put quite a deal of demonic power behind this tooth Naruto. I have no doubt the sword will be quite powerful when created using this one fang. When I return with the weapon, you will train with me in mastering it by fighting against me when I use Tokijin, and we will learn just how powerful it really is," said Sesshomaru, who got a nod from Naruto, and saw the boy head upstairs to get ready for bed since he was feeling tired now that the excitement was over.
(Hyuuga Compound)
Oh precious little Hinata. I'm so proud of you. You did a very good thing defending your friend with the help of Neji," said Hitomi showering her little girl in kisses while Hiashi praised Neji for working beside Hinata thus allowing them to combined their Gentle Fist together.
"Thank you Mother. I didn't want Naruto-kun to see that I'm weak and I wanted Neji-Nii-san to be more then just my shield," said Hinata blushing in embarrassment at all the affection she was getting while secretly wishing Naruto had given her those kisses.
"Oh I have no doubt he'll see you are strong my little Hinata. Just remember its okay to kill, but only when it's necessary, and do not hesitate to do so when it's required. Like protecting your boyfriend!" said Hitomi making Hinata squeak at the last part blushing at the thought of her and Naruto being more then just friends or teammates.
"Hitomi dear, you must stop embarrassing Hinata or she'll never tell Naruto she likes him more then a friend," said Hiashi getting another squeak from Hinata and her blush now covered her entire face before fainting.
As she fainted, Hinata now knew if she didn't tell Naruto soon she would most likely die from embarrassment, and then again by Kami when he saw just how she died.
(The Next Day)
"I'll see you soon son. I will be back sometime during the beginning of next week. Until then, Yuhi Kurenai will be staying in the house to watch over you, and I expect to hear you were on your best behavior," said Sesshomaru, who got a firm nod from Naruto, and could see the boy was going to enjoy having the woman around since Anko was currently on a mission.
"See you later dad. I'll get in some training while your gone so I'll keep getting stronger while you're away," said Naruto since his Father would want him to continue growing during his leave of absence.
"I'd expect no less from you. Also be mindful of Hatake, as he will try to give you false affection for making up for his lack of responsibility with you," said Sesshomaru since this was not the first time Kakashi tried to enter Naruto's life and it was getting on both his and Naruto's last nerve.
"I know. If he does, Kurenai can use that forbidden Genjutsu on him again," said Naruto snickering at the thought of traumatizing Kakashi yet again.
"I have already spoken to the Hokage and he knows I am leaving, but has decided to not inform the two Councils just yet until the day of my intended return," said Sesshomaru since both men knew the Councils that wanted to destroy Naruto or make him into some mindless weapon would attack Naruto the first chance they got.
"Take care dad. Please tell Uncle Inuyasha about me and that I said hi along with my big sister Rin that you told me about," said Naruto having been told where Sesshomaru was from.
"I will. Maybe I'll have them visit you one day," said Sesshomaru since the Hokage had told him about the Chuunin Exams being hosted in Konoha this year and it would only be sooner or later before Naruto competed in it.
With one final pat on the head, Sesshomaru used his powers to open the portal to cross over using his Father's tomb as the bridge point.
(Western Lands Castle)
"Uncle Inuyasha! Aunty Sango! Sesshomaru has come back!" said Rin running up to her adopted Uncle and Aunt with the latter smother her 4 year old child playing with Kilala in her tiny cat form while the other was handling paperwork with Shippo sitting on the table watching his Father work.
"Really? Where is he?" said Inuyasha glad to see his brother was still alive and had come back to visit from wherever he had gone.
"Right here brother," said Sesshomaru seeing Rin, who had grown nearly into a young woman ran to her Father giving him a daughter's loving hug.
"I missed you Father," said Rin, as her feelings towards Sesshomaru being her Father not changing in the slightest, and was glad he finally returned after so many years.
"I missed you too my daughter. My little Rin," said Sesshomaru, who stroked his little girl's hair while she cried softly into his form.
"So brother, what have you been doing while you were away," said Inuyasha wanting to hear what his brother had been up to.
"It is a long story, but its one even you might fine hard to believe," said Sesshomaru, as he began telling them all that had happened during the last 6 years and what happened with one Namikaze Naruto.
"It's hard to believe I will admit. I can't believe the boy's own Mother left him because of that," said Sango holding onto her husband, who kissed her cheek to sooth her worried face, and held their child in his arms.
"Do not worry my love, I would never abandon you, and I will forever love you with all my heart," said Inuyasha purring into her ear making the tenseness that had been acquired from the story.
"Could I meet my new little brother one day Father?" said Rin, who saw Sesshomaru nod at that since he had predicted she would, and it was only right that the two meet.
"How is your little brother Sango?" said Sesshomaru, as he had not seen Kohaku among his family.
"He's doing just fine Sesshomaru-sama. It took some doing, but thanks to Inuyasha, my brother was accepted by demons, and I believe that one female demon has become fond of him. I think he's with her right now," said Sango and the all knowing look in her eyes told Sesshomaru those two were doing more then just talking.
"That is good to hear. I am staying only for a few days until Totosai can complete a task for me I requested him to make a sword for my adopted son Naruto using the fang from his mouth," said Sesshomaru telling them about the other reason he had returned home and how Naruto's tooth had been filled with a potent form of demonic energy.
"That sword's going to be pretty powerful when it's complete. I just hope the little guy can handle it," said Inuyasha since he knew that the sword chooses its master.
"Can I go with you to see this Naruto person Uncle Sesshomaru?" said Shippo excitedly since he wanted to meet someone, who was like a distant cousin to him of fox origin.
"I'm afraid I cannot just yet. Many still hate the boy because of the Kyuubi inside of him and to see you will only increase their arrogant mixed fears," said Sesshomaru knowing they would tear Shippo apart just by the sight of him.
"Maybe later on then?" said Shippo hopefully since he really did want to me Naruto and possibly this fox that held the title of Demon Lord.
"Of course," said Sesshomaru petting the still little fox on the head.
(Konoha-Several Days Later)
Naruto was sitting next to Hinata, who was blushing slightly at being near him, but kept it in check since today was an important day for the two of them, and fainting now would spell doom for her knowing the people on her team. Behind her, Kiba was glaring at the blonde Namikaze, and wanted to attack the boy for what happened to his Father at the hands of Naruto's jailor. Sasuke was giving Naruto glares as well, as his face now had five permanent scars on the left side of his face, and while he thought they made him look more badass yet he still wished he could have hurt Naruto further. Shino calmly sat on the opposite side of Hinata looking ahead waiting for Iruka to come in and announce the teams. Shikamaru was sleeping, Choji was eating, and Ino having raced to the room with Sakura sat down next to them grumbling about Sakura acting like a guy then a girl for slugging her when they both tried to sit next to Sasuke. Sakura of course tried to flirt with the Uchiha only for him to ignore her.
"Okay everyone, I have all the Genin team setup right here so sit down, and shut up right now," said Iruka having walked into the room with a clipboard in hand.
"This is going to be sweet Hinata-chan! I hope we get to be on the same team since we could totally kick everyone's ass like Uchiha-teme," said Naruto making Hinata blush at his choice of words and pictured two of them in chibi forms kicking the rear of a chibi looking Sasuke.
"Team 6 is Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, and Akimichi Choji with your sensei being Sarutobi Asuma," said Iruka, who saw Ino wail at not having Naruto or Sasuke on their team.
'That's strange. For a moment, I thought I smelled the scent of honey coming from Ino's direction just like I do from Hinata-chan every once in a while. I wonder why?' thought Naruto, as he looked at Ino's direction when she complained about him, and missed the frown Hinata was showing that was aimed at Ino.
"Team 7 will consist of Inuzuka Kiba, Haruno Sakura, and Uchiha Sasuke with your own sensei being Hatake Kakashi," said Iruka cringing at Sakura's cheers at being place on Sasuke's team while the Inuzuka growled at not being with Hinata.
"Team 8 will consist of Aburame Shino, Hyuuga Hinata, and Namikaze Naruto with your sensei being Yuhi Kurenai," said Iruka smiling at Naruto, who hugged Hinata, and made the poor girl blush a deep red while the bug user nodded his head towards the blonde not wishing for such "friendly" contact.
"Take your hands off Hinata you pervert!" said Sakura pointing angrily at Naruto, who looked back at her, and flipped her off.
"You wouldn't be saying that if Sasuke-teme was doing it to you," said Naruto grinning at Hinata whose face was as red as a cherry.
"Baka! That's not the point!" said Sakura though she knew Naruto got her on that one, but it didn't mean she had to like it.
"Well if you don't like it, then quit being a Shinobi right now, and leave so you don't have to put up with it," said Naruto sticking out his tongue before turning his attention back to Hinata much to Sakura's and Ino's displeasure.
"ENOUGH! Look you got your teams set in place and your sensei's will be here sooner or later so try to get along until they do," said Iruka since most of the sensei's would be on time while a certain lazy Jounin would be several hours late.
Sure enough Asuma and Kurenai showed up to get their students while Kakashi was still a no show, which wasn't a big surprise since he always was late for everything. Kurenai took her team to a little park area since being at the school meant being around guys that would ogle her and have lecherous thoughts running through their heads.
"Okay everyone I'm Yuhi Kurenai and I'll be your sensei. I know you may feel like you are Shinobi now, but remember you're still Genin, and to more seasoned veterans from other villages it makes you an easy target. Normally I would ask you to tell me about yourselves like the other Jounin do, but you all know me one way or another, and I know all three of you through my own interactions so we already have established some form of trust between all four of us. Any questions?" said Kurenai seeing Naruto's hand go up, she nodded to him, and he put it down.
"Hey Kurenai-sensei when did you meet Shino?" said Naruto since not many people had publicly interacted with the Aburame Clan unless it was mandatory.
"Shino's Father wanted me to see him concerning a new type of bug colony he had been perfecting over the years to be completely immune to high level Genjutsu. They are very rare bugs so any he wanted me testing were few and during my last few visits I has some time to interact with his son. Also I'm sure Shibi further explained to Shino about my skills and what I specialize in before he asked me over to perform the experiment," said Kurenai getting a brief nod from the bug user.
"Really? Cool! I bet it would have upset the Uchiha Clan pretty badly since their stupid eyes wouldn't be able cast a Genjutsu on them or if did work it wouldn't last long," said Naruto grinning at the thought of Sasuke trying a Genjutsu on Shino in a fight thinking it would work only to have it backfire.
"Possibly, but due to the massacre so many years ago the only ones that would know are Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Sasuke," said Shino since Naruto did bring up a point on that since aside from their sensei, the Uchiha Clan could cast potent Genjutsu through their eyes, and the bug user wouldn't put it past the late clan members to be upset if they knew.
"Like Sasuke-teme would ever admit anything or acknowledge it," said Naruto nudging Hinata, who giggled at the thought.
"Back to us please. I spoke to the Hokage about your performances in the Academy, as well as your own personal training outside of the Academy, and we decided that rather then give you a test to see if you really are cut out to be Shinobi we decided to move you into missions. Now, normally since you are Genin, we would have you start out with D-ranked missions to boost teamwork, and gain trust between the three of you with me as your sensei supervising. However, the Hokage felt that given the pairing of this team already shows were not going to have problem as a group that we get a C-ranked mission right off the bat," said Kurenai seeing Shino's eyebrows rise up, Naruto bug out, and poor Hinata looked like she was ready to just faint for reasons outside of the proximity of the blonde Namikaze.
"What is the mission if I may ask on behalf of our team?" said Shino since Naruto was still shocked and Hinata was speechless at the moment.
"Simple Shino. Were going to Wave Country. It seems someone here in Konoha needs an escort back to Wave. Its nothing much, but I personally think it's a good start for the four of us since this will be more common then D-ranked missions, and it will help prepare the three of you for the B-ranked version of them," said Kurenai, who got a nod from the three students, and she could see they were eager to move out.
"When do we head out?" said Naruto frowning at the thought of leaving his home since anyone could just bust in and take things just to get back at him.
"Tomorrow. The Hokage wants you to meet him at the tower before hand. Get some rest all of you and if you do any training today make sure its light training," said Kurenai though she secretly wanted to rub it in Kakashi's and Asuma's faces that her team got a C-ranked mission.
Kakashi for his dirty book and Asuma for flirting with her while spraying that cig smoke in her face.
When Shino and Hinata left, Naruto walked with Kurenai back to the Namikaze Estate, and wondered when Sesshomaru would return since he would have to watch over the house so people like Sasuke or some Uchiha sympathizer didn't raid it for the teme. Anko was coming home from her mission tomorrow so she could help keep the Demon Lord some company and that did peeve Kurenai a little since she did become quite fond of Sesshomaru. Still, Anko did have as much right to flirt with the Demon Lord just as much as she did, and it wasn't like Sesshomaru really minded either of them being around him for whatever reason it may be.
Imagine their surprise when that very same Demon Lord they talked about was standing in front of them at the Namikaze Estate holding a sheathed sword in his right hand.
"Dad!" said Naruto running up to the man and giving him a hug having missed his Father during the past few days.
"Hello son. Your Uncle and Aunt send their regards, as does Rin, and your fox demon of a cousin Shippo does too," said Sesshomaru before presenting the boy with the sword that Totosai forged for him after a few blo-err persuasion made points to his skull.
"I hope to see them one day. Is that the sword?" said Naruto seeing the sheathed weapon and looked at it in awe.
"Yes. The swords sheathe is made from the bark of a tree demon that was a friend of my Father years ago before I was even born so that will also protect you as well. I also didn't give it a name yet since this is your sword and it's up to you to name it when the time is right," said Sesshomaru handing the blade to his son, who held it with slightly shaky hands though it was more from the excitement then the weight of the weapon.
"I'll call you...Trickster," said Naruto in honor of the fox like ways of tricking people and being mischievous to others whether it was for fun or cruelty.
"How appropriate considering who its owner is," said Kyuubi feeling the power of the blade was powerful in itself.
"Nicely named. We'll begin training at once and see just how powerful your sword is. I don't have to remind you to treasure it always," said Sesshomaru, who got a fast nod from Naruto before the boy hugged his Father again crying with joy as he did
'Men could certainly learn from this in how to be a Father,' thought Kurenai and blushed slightly at the thought of her being in this picture as the man's loyal wife and lover.
Kurenai shook the thought away, as it threatened to enter more perverted areas, and felt she needed to get out of Konoha soon or else she may just jump him for the chance to be his lover.
(A/N: YAY! The chapter is done. I'm taking to poll off since I saw the results so far. Yes I know I said would wait until the Chuunin Exams, but if 2/3 of you guys said harem in a total of over nearly a 150 I think its clear what you guys want. So as of right now, the harem officially wins. Remember it's not my fault for those that don't want it since I let the people (you guys) decide what you wanted, and the majority of you said harem. As to who is in the harem well that's up to me and I won't say, but rather write it as it happens. Also in case you are wondering Haku will be a girl in my fic since THAT IS THE WAY IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE CANNON! Alas I will digress. I hope this was good since I did make long and got a bit of Inuyasha team in there or rather Inuyasha's family. Also, I don't know when I will write another C&D chapter, but the let me assure you that the fic is NOT discontinued as I will work on it when I can. Until next time...PEACE!!)